June 12, 2013
Digital Directions, Vol. 06, Issue 03
School & District Management
Phila. District Plans to Open Online School
The Philadelphia school district, which has been plagued by budget woes and declining enrollment, has announced plans to open a virtual academy.
Teacher Preparation
Rapid Rise Seen in Use of Digital Tools for PD
Teachers and principals are becoming increasingly comfortable using online tools to hone their professional skills, according to a new survey.
Education Funding
District IT Leaders Cite Budget Challenges
A recent survey of district technology leaders found that budget constraints and lack of resources were the top challenges faced as they look to integrate technology into schools.
IT Infrastructure & Management
'MOOC' Provider Coursera Jumps Into K-12 and Teacher Ed.
Coursera, a major player in the world of providing "massively open online courses" in higher education, is making its first move into the K-12 landscape.
Assessment
Problems Emerge With Online Testing in Three States
Officials in Indiana were forced to suspend statewide online tests for two days after technical problems derailed the system, in the latest mishap to plague statewide assessments around the country.
School Climate & Safety
School-Issued iPads Are Targets for Thieves
Thieves are targeting children carrying school-issued iPads to and from school in the Clark County school district in Nevada, according to local police.
IT Infrastructure & Management
Smartphones Evolve Into Popular Tool for High Schoolers
A new nationwide survey reveals the extent to which mobile devices have become an inextricable part of students' and families' lives.
Standards & Accountability
Schools Test-Drive Common Core
More than a million students have used computing devices to participate in a pilot of online assessments for the Common Core State Standards.
Curriculum
'Flipped' PD Initiative Boosts Teachers' Tech Skills
A Minnesota district's ed-tech professional-development strategy emphasizes how-to videos and support from technology-integration specialists.
Curriculum
Digital Directions to End Publication of Print Magazine
Digital expansion of educational technology coverage now puts emphasis on online offerings, such as e-newsletters, webinars, video, and the online ed-tech channel.
Early Childhood
Is Virtual Kindergarten a Good or Bad Idea?
Some child-development experts are unsure kindergartners can get the necessary amount of social and emotional interaction in virtual environments.
Early Childhood
Virtual Learning for Little Ones Raises Developmental Questions
Educators are working to make sure the technologies elementary students are using are appropriate for their age and highly interactive.
IT Infrastructure & Management
K-12 Districts, Groups Turn to Mobile 'Crowdsourcing' to Solve Problems
One California district built a sophisticated online crowdsourcing platform open to all 4,000 employees and accessible via cellphones, tablets, and other digital devices.
Science
Computer Coding Lessons Expanding for K-12 Students
Computer programmers and software engineers are urging that students, even as early as elementary school, learn how to design and write source code for computers.
IT Infrastructure & Management
How to Choose the Right Learning Management System
Ed-tech experts say many schools and districts don't have a good understanding of how to choose and evaluate the different systems available.